SPRINGFIELD – Access to clean drinking water is often taken for granted. In reality, a number of chemicals and bacteria are tainting water across the state. State Senator Mike Simmons joined members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus who are leading a number of measures to enhance water quality – calling it “the year of water.”

“I am proud to be carrying Senate Bill 727, which will put us on a path to establishing limits on maximum contaminant levels and other toxic chemicals in public drinking water supplies that are known to be hazardous to human health,” said Simmons(D-Chicago). “I am excited to champion this legislation and work with my colleagues who also recognize the importance of protecting our water supplies and waterways for us now and for generations to come.”

Acknowledging that clean drinking water should be a right, not a privilege, Simmons is spearheading Senate Bill 727. The measure would direct the Illinois Department of Public Health to work with the Pollution Control Board to update the primary drinking water standards to establish maximum contamination levels for PFAS and other pollutants that might be found in public drinking water.

Additional legislation comes from Simmons’ colleagues outlining measures to enhance water quality and protect public health which can be viewed here.

In the coming months, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus hope to pass the measures.

Senator Simmons Champions Water Safety Legislation: